Apparatus for fluid tube

ABSTRACT

A fluid tube is disclosed herein. The breathing circuit tube has a wall which comprises a hollow geometry. The wall defines a passageway with a central longitudinal axis therethrough. The wall is expandable and contractible to adjust a diameter and a length of the passageway. The wall includes one or more corrugations that expand and contract to adjust the diameter and length of the passageway. The corrugations extend between terminal end portions of the wall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/045,173, entitled “APPARATUS FOR FLUID TUBE,” filed Feb. 16, 2016,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/481,828,entitled “APPARATUS FOR FLUID TUBE,” filed Sep. 9, 2014, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,283,345, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/334,837, entitled “APPARATUS FOR FLUID TUBE,” filed Dec. 22,2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,826,943, the disclosure of each of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a fluid tube such as thatcommonly used in respiratory care or in an anesthesia environment.

Anesthetic and respirator breathing devices commonly include a breathingcircuit to direct gas flow to and away from the patient. At least onetube connects the anesthesia or respiratory device to either the patientface mask or the endo-tracheal tube at the patient end. Tubes of varyinglength and diameter are used to achieve specific flow resistance.

One problem with conventional respiratory tubing is that health careproviders must stock a supply of tubes in multiple diameters to treat aspectrum of patients and conditions. Supplying tubes in multiplediameters also results in excess part numbers, crowded and clutteredhospital rooms, and an increased cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems areaddressed herein which will be understood by reading and understandingthe following specification.

In an embodiment a fluid tube has a first terminal end portion, a secondterminal end portion, and a wall which extends between the firstterminal end portion and the second terminal end portion. The wallcomprises a hollow geometry defining a passageway with a centrallongitudinal axis therethrough. The wall further defines one or moreexpandable corrugations spaced radially around and parallel to thecentral axis.

In another embodiment, a fluid tube has a first terminal end portion, asecond terminal end portion, and a generally cylindrical wall extendingbetween the first terminal end portion and the second terminal endportion. The cylindrical wall comprises a hollow geometry defining apassageway, and the wall defines one or more expandable and contractiblecorrugations. The expansion and contraction of the corrugations adjustsa diameter of the cylindrical wall.

Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will bemade apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawingsand detailed description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a breathing circuit tube in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a breathing circuit tube inaccordance with an embodiment in a contracted state;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a breathing circuit tube inaccordance with an embodiment in an expanded state;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a breathing circuit tube in accordancewith an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein thecorrugations have been configured in a helical fashion;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a breathing circuit tube in accordancewith an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein thecorrugations have been configured into alternate radial corrugation andaxial corrugation sections;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a breathing circuit tube in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a breathing circuit tube inaccordance with an alternate embodiment in a contracted state; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a breathing circuit tube inaccordance with an alternate embodiment in an expanded state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical,electrical and other changes may be made without departing from thescope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a tube 10 is shown tube inaccordance with an embodiment. The tube 10 will hereinafter be describedas a breathing circuit tube for use with healthcare devices such asrespiratory or anesthesia machines. It should be appreciated, however,that other types of fluid tubes may be envisioned. It should be furtherappreciated that other types of tubes may be envisioned. For example, atube directing a solid, such as cables and cords, may also beenvisioned. The tube 10 comprises a first terminal end portion 12, asecond terminal end portion 14, and a body 15. The tube 10 is preferablygenerally hollow and cylindrical in the absence of an externally appliedforce; however, other geometries are also envisioned. The tube 10 maydefine a passageway 11 and a central axis A-A therethrough. The tube 10may comprise a flexible plastic or elastomeric material. It is alsoenvisioned that the tube 10 may comprise a flexible or elastomericmaterial that comprises a spectrum of rigidity.

In the depicted embodiment the terminal ends portions 12, 14 define anon-corrugated region. The terminal end portions 12, 14 may compriseconnectors of the type known in the art for facilitating interconnectionof the tube 10 to medical devices or other apparatus (not shown), andthe patient (not shown). The terminal end portions 12, 14 are preferablygenerally hollow and cylindrical in geometry; however, other geometriesare also envisioned. For example, the terminal end portions may have atapered cylindrical geometry wherein the first and second ends of theterminal end portions have different diameters. The terminal endportions 12, 14 may also comprise a flexible plastic or elastomericmaterial.

The body 15 is defined between the first and second terminal endportions 12, 14. The body 15 extends longitudinally along and parallelto the axis A-A and is hollow to direct a fluid flow between a medicaldevice and a patient. For purposes of this disclosure the term fluidshould be defined to include any substance that continually deformsunder an applied shear stress and may therefore include both liquids andgases. It is also envisioned that the tube 10 may direct solid objects,such as cables or cords. The body 15 is defined by a wall 16.

The wall 16 defines a generally hollow cylindrical geometry and issymmetric about the central axis A-A. The wall 16 forms the radialoutermost perimeter of the passageway 11. The wall 16 defines aplurality of corrugations 18. It should be appreciated however, that thewall 16 may also define a single corrugation 18. For purposes of thisdisclosure, the term corrugation should be defined to include anexpandable and contractible geometry similar to that of an accordioncomprising a plurality of generally parallel and alternating folds. Theparallel and alternating folds define a corresponding plurality ofparallel and alternating crests 24 and troughs 20.

The corrugations 18 are spaced radially around the wall 16 and extendlongitudinally along and parallel to the axis A-A. A single corrugation18 comprises the generally v-shaped segment of wall 16 extending betweentwo adjacent troughs 20. It is also envisioned that the corrugations 18may comprise other geometries, for example sinusoid. Each corrugation 18includes a crest 24, a first leg 26 disposed on one side of the crest24, and a second leg 28 disposed on the opposite side of the crest 24.The troughs 20, crests 24 and legs 26, 28 extend longitudinally alongand parallel to the axis A-A. For purposes of this disclosure,corrugations should be defined to be parallel with an axis (e.g., axisA-A) if the corrugation troughs, crests and/or legs are generallyparallel with the axis. Similarly, corrugations should be defined to beperpendicular with an axis if the corrugation troughs, crests and/orlegs are generally perpendicular with the axis. In the depictedembodiment, the corrugations 18 are spaced radially and evenly aroundthe wall 16, however it is also envisioned that the corrugations 18 maybe placed close together in clusters radially around the wall 16 withnon-corrugated section of the wall 16 extending therebetween.

In the depicted embodiment, corrugations 18 extend longitudinally alongthe entire length of the wall 16. According to one alternativeembodiment, the corrugations 18 may extend longitudinally along only aportion of the wall 16. According to another alternative embodiment, thewall 16 comprises radial corrugations 18 placed in sections along theaxis of wall 16 longitudinally interspersed with sections ofnon-corrugated wall.

As previously described, the corrugations 18 are expandable andcontractible. For purposes of this disclosure, a contracted corrugation18 should be defined to be one in which the corrugation legs 26 aredrawn together or nearly together. Similarly, an expanded corrugation 18should be defined to be one in which the corrugation legs 26 are spreadapart. It should be appreciated that the expansion and contraction ofthe corrugations 18 has the effect of adjusting the geometry defined bythe wall 16.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a cross-sectional view of the wall 16 isshown in a contracted and expanded state, respectively. In itscontracted state depicted in FIG. 2, the wall 16 has an outer diameter30. In its expanded state depicted in FIG. 3, the wall 16 has an outerdiameter 31. It can be seen that the outer diameter 31 of the wall 16 inits expanded state greatly exceeds the outer diameter 30 of the wall 16in its contracted state.

The expansion of wall 16 can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Forexample, as depicted in FIG. 2, tube 10 may further comprise opposedhandles 50 and 52 that allow a user to exert opposing outward force toexpand the wall 16. In another embodiment, the wall 16 may be expandedwith the aid of a mandrel or die (not shown) having a selectablediameter in order set the diameter of the tube 10 at a predeterminedvalue. In yet another embodiment, a pressure differential may be used toexpand the tube 10 from its contracted state to its expanded state.

The expansion and contraction of the tube 10 is beneficial in procedureswhere both high and low fluid flow rates are required, as the tube 10does not have to be disengaged from the medical device and substitutedfor a tube of a different diameter, but instead can simply be expandedor contracted to achieve a desired diameter. Similarly, the tube 10could also be used to modify flow dynamics, for example, to increaseflow speed in a longer circuit the diameter 30 could be reduced bycontracting the corrugations 18 thus also passively reducing the effortsof the associated medical device. Additionally, a diametricallyexpandable and contractible tube may also reduce the healthcareprovider's inventory as one product may be functional in neonate,pediatric and adult circuit sizes. This is an especially importantattribute in countries where the expense of maintaining a wide inventoryis problematic.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the tube 10 is shown comprising an optionalpartition 40. The partition 40 may be secured to and extend radiallybetween generally opposite troughs 20 of the wall 16. The partition 40may extend longitudinally along axis A-A and thereby divide thepassageway 11 into a plurality of lumen 42 and 44. The partition 40 ispreferably comprised of a flexible material such as, for example, aplastic or elastomer. When the wall 16 is in its contracted statedepicted in FIG. 2, the partition 40 is appreciably folded over itselfalong the length of the tube 10 defining an S-shaped geometry. When thewall 16 is in its expanded state depicted in FIG. 3, the partition 40 isstretched so that it is no longer folded over itself but instead issubstantially planar. It should be appreciated, however, that othertypes of partitions may be envisioned. For example, it is alsoenvisioned that the partition 40 may comprise a stretchable andcontractible material so that in the contracted state the partition 40is planar in geometry (not shown), and the partition 40 stretches in itsplanar state when the wall 16 is in the expanded state. Alternatively,it is envisioned that the partition may comprise two opposing J-shapedhooks that mate or engage as described below in reference to FIGS. 7 and8, thereby creating a plurality of lumen.

FIGS. 2 and 3 will now be described in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment in which the tube 10 couples a patient (not shown) with aventilator (not shown). In either the contracted or expanded state ofthe wall 16, breathing gases are transferred from the ventilator througha first lumen (e.g., lumen 42) and are then delivered into the patient'slungs. After the breathing gases are delivered into the patient's lungs,the patient passively exhales due to the elasticity of his or her lungs.The exhaled gas from the patient's lungs is transferred through anotherlumen (e.g., lumen 44) and is then vented to atmosphere or a collectionsystem (not shown).

While the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 comprises a singlepartition and two lumen, it should be appreciated, however, that thepassageway 11 may comprise more than one partition. For example, apassageway comprising two partitions and three lumens may be beneficialfor gas sampling purposes, or for accommodating the flow of forced hotair adjacent to the inspiratory lumen.

Referring to FIG. 4, a breathing circuit tube 210 is shown in accordancewith an alternate embodiment. The tube 210 comprises a body 215 defininga wall 216 with a plurality a helical corrugations 218, but is otherwisesimilar to the tube 10. The corrugations 218 are spaced radially aroundwall 216 and define a generally helical geometry about axis A-A. Thecorrugations 218 are both expandable and contractible in a mannersimilar to that previously described with respect to the corrugations 18(shown in FIG. 1). The helical geometry of the corrugations 218 allowsfor adjustments to both the diameter 230 and length 232 of the tube 210as the corrugations 218 are expanded or contracted.

Referring to FIG. 5, a breathing circuit tube 310 is shown in accordancewith another alternate embodiment. The tube 310 comprises a body 315defined by a hollow cylindrical wall 316 with a plurality of alternatelyaligned corrugated sections 318 and 320 extending longitudinally alongthe length of the tube 310, but is otherwise similar to the tube 10. Atleast one corrugated section 318 comprises radial corrugations 322 whilethe alternate corrugated section 320 comprises axial corrugations 324.The radial corrugations 322 extend longitudinally along and parallel toaxis A-A and allow for expansion and contraction of the diameter 330 oftube 310. The axial corrugations 324 are perpendicular to and axialabout axis A-A, and allow for expansion and contraction of the length332 of the tube 310. Such axial corrugations 324 are commonly known inthe art. The alternating geometry of the corrugated sections 318, 320allows for adjustments to both the diameter and length of the tube 310as the corrugated sections 318, 320 are expanded and contracted. Itshould be appreciated that other combinations of corrugated sections areenvisioned. For example, a breathing circuit tube may comprise acombination of radial, axial or helical corrugated sections.

A tube 310 comprising a combination of radial and axial corrugatedsections 318 and 320 provides several benefits including flexibility indraping and positioning, and the deterrence of kinking and obstructionof gas flow in the tube. Additionally, the tube 310 may provide amechanism for reducing condensation or other fluid within the breathingcircuit. For example, diameter changes may affect pressure drops thatmay lead to moisture staying in the air flow rather than condensing intodroplets.

Referring to FIG. 6, a breathing circuit tube 10 comprises an optionalstrap 60. The strap 60 is preferably a zip tie as is commonly known inthe art, but may also be any other kind of device that can be fastenedabout the body 15 to limit the diameter 33 of the body 15 to aselectable value. In the depicted embodiment, the strap 60 comprises aninsertion point 62 on a first end 63 and a sequentially tapered region64 on an opposing end 65. When the strap 60 is utilized, a user may wrapthe strap 60 around the circumference of body 15 and set a fixed maximumdiameter 33 by inserting a pointed tip 67 through the insertion point 62by a selectable amount and thereby fastening the strap 60 about the body15.

Selecting the fixed maximum diameter 33 may be accomplished in a varietyof ways. The strap 60 may comprise a single insertion point 62. Thesequentially tapered region 64 may define a plurality of taperedsections 66 and a corresponding plurality of under-cut shoulders 68.Once the tapered region 64 of the strap has been pulled through theinsertion point 62 and past the first tapered section 66, it isprevented from being pulled back out of the insertion point 62 by acorresponding under-cut shoulder 68. To further tighten the strap 60,thereby decreasing the potential maximum diameter 33, the user mayincrease the degree to which the tapered region 64 is inserted throughthe insertion point 62. Alternatively, the strap 60 may also comprise aplurality of insertion points (not shown) designed to set the diameter33 of the tube 10 for treatment of a neonate, a pediatric patient or anadult patient. It should also be appreciated that other methods forselecting a fixed diameter are envisioned. For example, a flexible clipof circular or other geometry may be inserted into the passageway.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a breathing circuit tube 410 is shown inaccordance with another alternate embodiment wherein the tube 410 isshown in the contracted and expanded states respectively. The tube 410comprises a body 415 defined by a hollow cylindrical wall 416. The wall416 forms the radial outermost perimeter of the passageway 411. The tube410 further comprises opposing hooks 454, 456 ending into the passageway411. The opposing hooks 454, 456 are preferably “J-shaped” but may alsobe shaped in other ways that allow the hooks 454, 456 to hold the tube410 in a contracted state when mating or engaged, and when the hooks454, 456 are not mating allow the tube 410 to expand. To mate the hooks454, 456, a user may exert external opposing compressing force on thetube 410 so that the hooks 454, 456 slide past one another and mate orengage.

Alternatively, the tube may comprise opposing members extending into thepassageway. The first member comprises a J-shaped hook while the secondmember comprises one or more barbs along its length. The hook of thefirst member is then able to engage with a barb of the second member andlock in place, thereby contracting the diameter of the passageway. Itshould be appreciated that alternative geometries are envisioned for thefirst and second members. For example, the first member may have akick-stand, or pointed geometry and be able to engage with the barbs toprop the passageway open at a fixed diameter.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid tube comprising: a wall defining apassageway with a longitudinal axis therethrough, and defining across-sectional width and a longitudinal length of the passageway, thewall comprising a plurality of helical corrugations extending around thelongitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of helical corrugations areexpandable and contractible to adjust the cross-sectional width and thelongitudinal length.
 2. The fluid tube of claim 1, wherein the wallcomprises a non-corrugated region.
 3. The fluid tube of claim 1, whereinthe wall comprises a first non-corrugated region and a secondnon-corrugated region, and the plurality of helical corrugations isbetween the first and second non-corrugated regions.
 4. The fluid tubeof claim 1, wherein the wall comprises a cylindrical cross-sectionalprofile.
 5. The fluid tube of claim 1, wherein in a contracted position,the wall defines a first cross-sectional width, and in an expandedposition, the wall defines a second cross-sectional width that isgreater than the first cross-sectional width.
 6. The fluid tube of claim1, comprising a longitudinal partition extending between opposing innersurfaces of the wall and dividing the passageway into at least twolumen.
 7. The fluid tube of claim 1, comprising at least two handlesextending from an outer surface of the wall.
 8. The fluid tube of claim1, comprising a component configured to restrict expansion orcontraction of the wall.
 9. The fluid tube of claim 8, wherein thecomponent comprises an adjustable strap around a circumference of thewall and configured to restrict expansion of the cross-sectional widthof the wall.
 10. The fluid tube of claim 8, wherein the componentcomprises a first member and a second member extending from an innersurface of the wall, the first member configured to mate with the secondmember to restrict expansion of the cross-sectional width of the wall ina contracted position, and the first member configured to separate fromthe second member to permit expansion of the cross-sectional width ofthe wall to an expanded position.
 11. The fluid tube of claim 10,wherein the first member is configured to separate from the secondmember when the wall, in the contracted position, is directed radiallyinward relative to the longitudinal axis.
 12. A fluid tube, comprising:a wall having a first end portion, a second end portion, a corrugatedportion between the first and second end portions, and a passageway witha longitudinal axis through the first and second end portions, thecorrugated portion comprising a plurality of helical corrugations,extending around the longitudinal axis, and expandable and contractibleto adjust any of a cross-sectional width and a longitudinal length ofthe corrugated portion.
 13. The fluid tube of claim 12, wherein the wallcomprises a cylindrical cross-sectional profile.
 14. The fluid tube ofclaim 12, wherein in a contracted position, the corrugated portiondefines a first cross-sectional width, and in an expanded position, thecorrugated portion defines a second cross-sectional width that isgreater than the first cross-sectional width.
 15. The fluid tube ofclaim 12, comprising a longitudinal partition extending between opposinginner surfaces of the wall and dividing the passageway into at least twolumen.
 16. The fluid tube of claim 12, comprising at least two handlesextending from an outer surface of the wall.
 17. The fluid tube of claim12, comprising a component configured to restrict expansion orcontraction of the corrugated portion.
 18. The fluid tube of claim 17,wherein the component comprises an adjustable strap around acircumference of the corrugated portion and configured to restrictexpansion of the cross-sectional width of the corrugated portion. 19.The fluid tube of claim 17, wherein the component comprises a firstmember and a second member extending from an inner surface of thecorrugated portion, the first member configured to mate with the secondmember to restrict expansion of the cross-sectional width of thecorrugated portion in a contracted position, and the first memberconfigured to separate from the second member to permit expansion of thecorrugated portion to an expanded position.
 20. The fluid tube of claim19, wherein the first member is configured to separate from the secondmember when the corrugated portion, in the contracted position, isdirected radially inward relative to the longitudinal axis.